Description

Professional Counselling Skills Programme

Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) 108-Hour Course

Programme duration: 36 weeks

Term 1: Wednesday 18 September 2024 (12 weeks)

Term 2: Wednesday 8 January 2025 (12 weeks)

Term 3: Wednesday 7 May 2025 (12 weeks)

Overview:

SFBT stands for Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, which is a type of psychotherapy that aims to help individuals find solutions to their problems and improve their lives. It is a goal-oriented, present-focused approach that emphasizes strengths and positive aspects of a person’s life, rather than problems or past experiences.

In SFBT, the therapist works with the individual to identify their desired outcomes and create a solution-focused plan to achieve those goals. The therapy is designed to be brief, typically lasting only a few sessions, and the focus is on finding practical, concrete solutions to problems.

SFBT is considered to be an evidence-based practice, which means that it has been shown through research to be effective in treating certain conditions.

Introduction by the course instructor:

Synopsis:

This 108-hour course on Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding and practical application of this evidence-based approach to therapy. The course is divided into three levels, each building on the previous level to progressively equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively use SFBT in their own clinical practice. Additionally, the course will also cover the integration of SFBT with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other therapeutic models, as well as the integration of Islamic psychology and counselling.

Key Learning outcomes, focus and instructor approach for each level

Level 1: Introduction to Solution Focused Brief Therapy (36 hours)

Overview: This level is the first of three in a comprehensive 108-hour course on Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). The 36-hour level provides an introduction to the basic principles and core concepts of SFBT, including its history, approach to change and problem-solving, and the structure of the SFBT therapeutic conversation. Students will learn how to use solution-focused questions, scaling questions, and the miracle question technique, and will also practice integrating SFBT with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other therapeutic models.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• Describe the history and approach of SFBT
• Explain the structure and process of the SFBT therapeutic conversation
• Use solution-focused questions, scaling questions, and the miracle question technique in therapy
• Integrate SFBT with CBT and other therapeutic models

Instructor Approach: The instructor will use a variety of teaching methods to ensure that students are engaged and receive a comprehensive understanding of SFBT. This may include lectures, group discussions, case studies, role-plays, and other interactive activities. The instructor will also provide opportunities for students to practice the techniques they have learned, receive feedback, and ask questions.

Focus:

• Overview of SFBT history, approach, and principles
• Structure of the SFBT therapeutic conversation
• Using solution-focused questions, scaling questions, and the miracle question technique
• Integrating SFBT with CBT and other therapeutic models
• Hands-on practice and application of SFBT techniques
• Receiving feedback and guidance from the instructor

Level 2: Advanced Techniques in Solution Focused Brief Therapy (36 hours)

Overview: This level is the second of three in a comprehensive 108-hour course on Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). The 36-hour level focuses on advanced techniques and strategies in SFBT, including the use of exceptions, compliments, and change talk. Students will learn how to tailor their approach to individual clients and how to address common challenges in therapy. The level will also cover the integration of SFBT with Islamic psychology and counselling, including the use of Islamic concepts and values in therapy.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• Apply advanced techniques and strategies in SFBT, including the use of exceptions, compliments, and change talk
• Tailor the SFBT approach to individual clients and address common challenges in therapy
• Integrate SFBT with Islamic psychology and counselling, including the use of Islamic concepts and values in therapy

Instructor Approach: The instructor will continue to use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, group discussions, case studies, role-plays, and other interactive activities. Students will have opportunities to practice the advanced techniques they have learned, receive feedback, and ask questions. The instructor will also provide guidance on how to integrate SFBT with Islamic psychology and counselling.

Focus:

• Advanced techniques and strategies in SFBT, including the use of exceptions, compliments, and change talk
• Tailoring the SFBT approach to individual clients and addressing common challenges in therapy
• Integrating SFBT with Islamic psychology and counselling, including the use of Islamic concepts and values in therapy
• Hands-on practice and application of advanced SFBT techniques
• Receiving feedback and guidance from the instructor
• Understanding the integration of SFBT with Islamic psychology and counselling.

Level 3: Integration and Implementation of Solution Focused Brief Therapy (36 hours)

Overview: This level is the final of three in a comprehensive 108-hour course on Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). The 36-hour level focuses on the integration and implementation of SFBT into practice. Students will learn how to develop a treatment plan and use SFBT in various therapeutic settings, including individual, family, and group therapy. The level will also cover ethical considerations in therapy and the use of SFBT in different cultural contexts.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• Develop a treatment plan using SFBT
• Apply SFBT in individual, family, and group therapy
• Consider ethical considerations and cultural context in therapy

Instructor Approach: The instructor will continue to use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, group discussions, case studies, role-plays, and other interactive activities. Students will have opportunities to develop their own treatment plans, receive feedback, and ask questions. The instructor will also provide guidance on ethical considerations and the use of SFBT in different cultural contexts.

Focus:

• Integration and implementation of SFBT into practice
• Developing a treatment plan using SFBT
• Applying SFBT in individual, family, and group therapy
• Understanding ethical considerations and cultural context in therapy
• Hands-on development of treatment plans
• Receiving feedback and guidance from the instructor
• Understanding the integration of SFBT in various therapeutic settings and cultural contexts.

Level 1 of the course will primarily focus on the theoretical foundations of psychology and incorporate Islamic perspectives. It will address issues related to mental health, explore the history of psychology in both the Western and Muslim world, and delve into the ontological and epistemological underpinnings of the field. Additionally, students will study the philosophy of psychology and gain a comprehensive understanding of the “who, what, how, when, and where” of psychology, including its stages of development in the Western context and beyond.

To facilitate a diverse learning experience, students will engage in various teaching methods, including group work, lectures, class videos, and collective discussions. Required readings and relevant materials will be made available to students online, ensuring easy access and convenience.

Graduation Ceremony:
Upon successfully completing the course, there will be a graduation ceremony to celebrate the achievements of the graduates with their families and friends. Further details and logistical information regarding the graduation ceremony will be shared during class. The date for the ceremony is tentatively scheduled for March 2024.

Teacher: Sheikh Abdullah Hasan

Sh. A. Hasan graduated with an Imam Diploma, BA and Ijaza Aliyah in Islamic Studies [Theology & Islamic Law, taught completely in Arabic] from a European Islamic seminary. He holds a diploma in Arabic from Zarqa Private University (Jordan), studied at the faculty of fiqh wa usuluhu (Jurisprudence and its principles) at the same university while receiving training in various disciplines privately with some of the leading Scholars of Jordan and the Middle East.

He trained as a counsellor, certificate and diploma in person centred psychotherapy, marriage and youth counselling, SFBT psychotherapy, and has been providing private individual, couple and family therapy for the last ten years. He also studied Masters’s degree (MSc) in applied psychology and currently undertaking a doctorate in the same area. In addition, he is a specialist in Zakat and Islamic philanthropic studies. He served, as an Imam, in several Muslim communities in the UK. Sh. A. Hasan has an enormous interest and passion for community and people development. He has over 10 years of management, leadership and training experience within the third sector.

Currently, he is a teacher of Islamic psychology and counselling and Consultant Psychologist at Gift Foundation, and Resident Scholar at Darul Ihsan, and provides Chaplaincy counselling from various mosques in London, UK.

He is the founder of Imams Against Domestic Abuse (IADA), British Imams, Scholars Contributions and Achievements (BISCA Awards), British Institutes, Mosques and Associations (BIMA Awards), member, The Association of Islamic Mental-Health Specialists (AIMS), and various other community organisations and projects.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Course

• Q: What is Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)? A: Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a type of therapy that focuses on finding solutions to problems, rather than dwelling on the problems themselves. This approach is based on the idea that everyone has the capacity to find solutions to their problems and that the therapist’s role is to help the client find these solutions.
  • Q: Where will the course be taught? A: The course will be taught at Ebrahim College, and it is sponsored by Gift Foundation and Zakat Aid.
  • Q: What is the length of the course? A: The course is 108 hours long, divided into three levels.
  • Q: Who will be teaching the course? A: The course is taught by experienced instructor who is an Islamic scholar, a therapist with over 15 years of practical experience and doctorate researcher in Psychology.
  • Q: What will I learn in the course? A: In the course, you will learn the principles and theories of SFBT, advanced techniques and strategies, and the integration of SFBT with other models, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Islamic psychology and counselling.
  • Q: What is the format of the course? A: The course is taught through a combination of lectures, group discussions, case studies, role-plays, and other interactive activities. This approach helps students to gain hands-on experience and develop their skills in SFBT.
  • Q: Can I become a member of UK Association for Solution Focussed Practice and AIMS after completing the course? A: Upon completion of the SFBT course, students will have gained a comprehensive understanding of the theory and principles of SFBT, advanced techniques and strategies, and the integration of SFBT with other models and Islamic psychology and
  counselling. To become a member of UKASFP and AIMS, students will need to meet certain criteria, such as having relevant training and experience in the field. The course will provide guidance on how to meet these criteria and become accredited.
  • Q: What are the benefits of becoming a member of UKASP and AIMS? A: Becoming a member of UKASFP and AIMS provides a range of benefits, including access to training, resources, and networking opportunities, as well as recognition as a professional in the field of SFBT and Islamic mental health.
  • Q: Do I need previous experience in therapy or counselling to take the course? A: No, previous experience in therapy or counselling is not required to take the course. The course is designed to be accessible to all, regardless of previous experience.
  • Q: What is the cost of the course? A: The cost of the course will depend on a variety of factors, including the location and length of the course. For more information on the cost of the course, please contact the course provider directly.
  • Q: When will each level be taught? A: Each level will be taught at term time. Level 1 will be taught in term 1, Level 2 in term 2, and Level 3 in term 3.

In partnership with Gift Foundation and Zakat Aid